Episode 60: The Life Of David - Fall From Grace

Have you ever been in a season of life where things seem to be going really well. So well that maybe, ever so subtly, you start to drift? You left the world of contentment and drifted dangerously into a state of…complacency. Maybe you’re leaning less on God because life seems to be pretty GOOD. There are no outstanding needs. No major stressors. No pressing concerns… In theory, that sounds great! But the reality is, if we aren’t careful, this can cause us to lose intimacy with God. 

I hate to say it but people have a tendency to stop communicating with God when they feel secure in their circumstances. This has to grieve His heart. After all, a relationship shouldn’t be centered on circumstances..but rather, centered on the heart.. centered on love for one another. BUT since the fall of Adam…human nature tends to be self serving. The moment you take your eyes off of God and start living for self OR just living in complacency… that’s where the enemy slips his foot in the open door of your heart. THIS is what happened to David. This was the moment he fell into complacency and eventually..he fell from grace.

Not only did David relegate his duties, but he became very comfortable. So comfortable, in fact, that he had time for mid-afternoon naps, and inappropriate observations. Had he been out to war like he was supposed to be, he never would have noticed the beautiful Bathsheba. See? Complacency is a slippery slope. The following series of events lead David to have innocent blood on his hands. His decisions were self-serving rather than God led. Had his heart been on the Lord, the story wouldn’t have lead to such a fall.  There are a few things I want to point out in today’s story. It was a lot to read so I’ll only grab a few for consideration:

One: David’s heart posture changed. He became complacent, losing intimacy with God which ultimately resulted in a path of sin and pain. 

Two: David had someone in his life, (Nathan), who loved him enough and feared God enough to POINT OUT his own unjust behavior. This is a great reminder to us all to keep friends around us who love us, fear the Lord, and are willing to hold us accountable for poor choices. 

Three: David Confesses that he sinned against God and God’s word. This is not to be overlooked. Redemption cannot come without confession and repentance. 

And Four: God forgives David. But there is still a price to be paid for sin. Always. Sin can only lead to death. The difference here is that God will turn our mistakes into something Good. But he ONLY does this after repentance, a heart turned back to Him. Remember Romans 8:28 “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” 

David was a good man. He was a man after God’s own heart. He was obedient to God and gave Him the glory. But even good men fall. Even good people make bad decisions. Not a single one of us are exempt. But here’s the good news. David repented for what he had done. He took ownership and asked God for forgiveness. He still paid a high price. God said his household would rebel against him.. and indeed.. in the chapters ahead, it does. But, David’s heart came back to God. He received forgiveness. At the end of the day, there’s nothing we can do that God won’t forgive. (Apart from blasphemy). David literally committed adultery and murder. God still forgave him. That’s not to say there wasn’t a price to pay, for that is a principle of sin. However, when handed back to God, there will also be redemption. And that, my friends, is where we will pick up next week on our last episode. As you go out this week, I pray you’ll remember this. God offers grace no matter what offense. No matter what YOUR fall from grace looked like or looks like now. You have only to repent.. invite Him back into it. Let Him turn it for the good. He wants that for you, and for us all.. I love y’all and I’ll catch you next week!

Reference : 2 Samuel 11 and 12